Artist Profile

     Ty Michelfelder graduated with honors from Iowa Central Community College with an Associate degree in computer science and built a successful career in information technology management.  However, her true love was always art, so she left the corporate life behind and pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Media Arts and Animation at the Art Institute of Atlanta.  She achieved her goal and graduated with honors, winning both the Academic Excellence and Outstanding Portfolio Awards.

Shortly after graduation, Ty was recruited by the Atlanta Braves to create computer animations for the Turner Field matrix and video boards.  The Braves employed her for two seasons during which time she helped create the popular "Thunder Roll" animation that was used to introduce closer, John Smoltz.

Although the basis for Ty's art is the traditional paper, pencil, and paint, her love of art combined with her computer expertise has led her to explore many forms of digital art including: photography, drawing, painting, 2D animation, and 3D animation,  Ty enjoys learning new  ways to express herself and continues to hone her cutting edge skills, consistently incorporating the latest forms of digital technology with her art.  Ty's unique fine art prints are in private collections across the United States.

Artist Statement

   I have always believed in the power of positive thinking.  So when I decided to create artwork to dress up my dog's plain cloth collar, I also wanted to create designs with positive meanings.   Every time I was with my dog, l would see the positive message that was represented by the colors and images in my design and it would put a smile on my face.  

   I have been an animal lover all my life and have also become very interested in world cultures, so it seemed natural  to combine the two interests by designing the collar cuffs with symbols from around the world.  Using my knowledge of color theory and symbolism, I design decorative collar cuffs for any pet that wears a collar.  Some are designed to evoke positive thoughts and emotions, such as happiness, hope, longevity and love.  Others, like the cuffs in the Holiday Collection,  are meant to evoke special  memories of holidays gone by, thoughts of enjoying holidays in the future, or serve as a reminder of the true spirit of the holiday.

 I thoroughly enjoy designing and painting every Cuff-a-Doodle, and  It is my hope that pet owners will use these little message billboards to not only dress up their pet, but also to remind them of all the wonderful possibilities.  They only have to think positive.